Bugum Chugu Festival

The Bugum Chugu, or Fire Festival, is a beautiful New Year celebration marking the start of the Dagomba lunar year in Northern Ghana. Rooted in rich history, it commemorates the recovery of a lost prince during the reign of Naa Zoligu in the 15th century. Celebrated by the Dagomba, Gonja, Mamprusi, and Nanumba people, this cultural event takes place on the ninth day of the first lunar month, Bugum Goli, usually falling in September. The festival begins with ancestral offerings and a symbolic torch-lighting ceremony led by the chief. Participants light their torches and parade through the town, chanting traditional war songs and recreating the prince's historic rescue. The celebration concludes with rituals, including a spiritual bath and blessings for the year ahead. The Bugum Chugu is more than a festival; it’s a time for family reunions, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Explore its traditions, history, and vibrant visuals at dagbonkingdom.com, where you’ll find detailed articles, videos, and photos capturing the spirit of this enchanting event.